NOPR Collection:

Invasion of Snowflake Coral, Carijoa riisei (Duchassaing and Michelotti, 1860), in Indian Seas: Threats to Coral Reef Ecosystem

2016-12-14T09:10:52Z

Title: Invasion of Snowflake Coral, Carijoa riisei (Duchassaing and Michelotti, 1860), in Indian Seas: Threats to Coral Reef Ecosystem Authors: Venkataraman, K.; Raghunathan, C.; Satyanarayana, Ch.; Rajkumar, R. Abstract: Present paper summarizes the occurrence of C. riisei in coral reefs of Indian seas, its likely impacts on the indigenous biota and policies for bioinvasion in the Indian context. With the limited information available on marine bioinvasion in tropical countries, especially in India, there is an urgent need of study on the occurrence and impacts of invasive species on the coral reef environment as this ecosystem harbors 25% of total marine biodiversity and contribute 10% fishery production. Page(s): 1403-1408

Invasion of alien species: an impending threat

2016-12-14T09:08:24Z

Title: Invasion of alien species: an impending threat Authors: Sharma, Seema B.; Gobi, Thivakaran A.; Thakkar, Mahesh G. Page(s): 1409-1411

Marine natural flora: A potent source of anticancer metabolites

2016-12-14T09:06:07Z

Title: Marine natural flora: A potent source of anticancer metabolites Authors: Shukla, Shruti; Kim, Myunghee Abstract: Invertebrates belonging to marine environment along with a growing number of marine organisms including bacteria, actinobacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, microalgae, seaweeds, mangroves, and other halophytes making over 90% of the oceanic biomass are considered novel sources of anticancer molecules production. These marine floras diverse in taxonomy are largely productive, biologically active, and chemically unique moiety and offer a great scope for discovery of new anticancer drugs. The marine floras are rich in medicinally potent chemicals predominantly belonging to polyphenols and sulphated polysaccharides. The chemical and biological diversity of the marine environment is immeasurable, hence represents an extraordinary resource for the discovery of new anticancer drugs. Recent advances in research and technology have significantly contributed in structure elucidation, and organic synthesis of target molecules of therapeutic potential, resulting in the isolation and clinical evaluation of various novel anticancer agents. This review is presented as a brief survey of recent investigations in the marine pharmacology and discovery of new anticancer drugs to provide baseline information for promoting the marine flora-based anticancer research. This review in the current scenario of increasing cancer incidence may provide scientific insights deprived of cheaper, safer, and potent medicines to challenge the dreadful human disease. Page(s): 1412-1421

Therapeutic importance of peptides from marine source: A mini review

2016-12-14T09:04:23Z

Title: Therapeutic importance of peptides from marine source: A mini review Authors: Shukla, Shruti Abstract: In recent years, much attention has been paid on microbial peptides with biological activities and proteins derived from foods that might have beneficial effects for humans. Microbial peptides are small chain amino acid molecules with multitude of biological and therapeutic potential. Moreover, many studies have reported that marine bioactive peptides can be used as antihypertensive, antioxidative, anticoagulant, and antimicrobial components in functional foods or nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals due to their therapeutic potential in the treatment or prevention of severe diseases. This contribution presents an overview of the bioactive peptides derived from marine organisms and their biological activities with potential applications in different areas of food and medicine industries. Page(s): 1422-1431